Happy New Year to all Squid Fans Around the World

Happy New Year message from the Squid Team

The Squid Team wishes to thank all its fans from around the world.  Thank you for all the lovely emails and support that we have received. 

Touchsquid Customers Provide Good Geography Lesson

There are between 196 and 250 countries in the world depending on what you consider as a country. Today, Touchsquid made its first sale to Turkmenistan - adding the list of countries served to 41.

The Squid Team is enjoying a good geography lesson every time a new country is added to the list. So where is Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan is one of the six independent Turkic states. It is bordered by Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, Uzbekistan to the east and northeast, Kazakhstan to the north and northwest and the Caspian Sea to the west.

The country is a single commodity economy relying heavily on the export of natural gas. It possesses the world's fourth largest reserves of natural gas resources and its GDP growth rate of 2012 is 11% following several years of sustained high growth.

We are glad that Turkmenistans are able to enjoy home theater systems and the Touchsquid universal remote app.

Touchsquid Interview with London Drugs

Touchsquid was featured in London Drugs Spotlight Audio Video Systems for the month of November and here is the short presentation/interview. This was completely extemporaneous, no rehearsals.  There were two takes, and lots of cutting to make this video short and sweet.


We are satisfied with the video result. We thought James could have smiled a little more, but he had a lot on his mind and I think he's done a good job explaining what Touchsquid can do in a few sentences.

Touchsquid Clients Around the World

A look at the world map pinboard at Touchsquid's office show our clients all around the world.  While majority of Touchsquid products are sold in USA and Canada, we are gaining followers in East and Western Europe, South America, South Africa, Australasia, and Southeast Asia.  Today, Touchsquid is in use in 35 countries including Denmark, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., France, Switzerland, South Africa, Sweden, Costa Rica, Thailand, Finland, Brazil, Romania, Netherland, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Peru, Hongkong, Bolivia, Myanmar, Portugal, Venezuela, Norway, Belgiuum, Israel, Angola, Singapore.....

Touchsquid has grown to become an app developer as it continues to dream up new products.  Every addition of a new customer location gives the development team an adrenalin hit as they continue to add a red pin on its world map pinboard.  Our thanks to supporters all around the globe. You are the inspiration for us to keep improving our products and services. Check out Touchsquid apps on Google Play.

London Drugs to Sell TouchSquid Universal Remote Control

We are pleased to announce that London Drugs now offers the TouchSquid universal remote control in its AV departments across Western Canada. As a fellow Canadian owned company, we believes that London Drugs is in a good position to introduce the innovative remote to consumers. We will be continuing to add distributors and expand our retail channels in order to meet the demands of our customers and the dynamics of current market trends.

Canadian consumers can benefit from the expertise and support of London Drugs Electronics and Audio-Visual personnel in addition to having access to London Drugs' offerings of Audio-visual and Home Theatre products and accessories. We are proud to have London Drugs Canada as a Canadian Touchsquid authorized retailer.

London Drugs is a chain of Canadian retail stores with headquarters in Richmond, British Columbia. Its primary focus is on pharmaceuticals, electronics, housewares and cosmetics, with a limited selection of grocery items. Over 80% of London Drugs Store has its own Electronics, Computers and/or Audio-Visual Departments giving customers access to a whole range products which includes notebooks, tablets, all-in-one computers, data projectors, high-definition television, DVD players, camcorders, storage and accessories across Canada. The chain has 75 stores in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia and employs more than 6,000 staff. Of the chain's 74 stores, 49 are located in British Columbia, of which 29 are in Metro Vancouver and 16 are in other parts of the province, including four in Greater Victoria. In Alberta there are 21 stores, including nine in the Edmonton Capital Region, eight in Metro Calgary, and four in other communities. There are also three stores in Saskatchewan and one in Manitoba.

Free listing service for home theater equipment

Buy, Sell, Recycle, Barter your Home Theater Gear. Touchsquid Support Forum announces a free listing service for home theater enthusiasts to swap, exchange, buy, sell or recycle their home theater gear.

We are excited to inaugurate a new service for our members. We now have a large group of home theater enthusiasts accessing our site on a regular basis. Many of you are bound to have good used equipment that you no longer need.  Or you may have a family room, rec room or that extra guest room that could use some additional home theater equipment.

A category "Home Theater Gear For Sale" is now set-up at Touchsquid users forum featuring Free listings of Home Theater equipment for sale. Recycle your used amplifiers, speakers, projectors and TVs in the most effective manner possible -- sell them! Listings are 100% free.

You can answer ads in the forum or send a private message (PM).

 To place an ad: Select the type of device, then start a new thread with the Type, Brand and Model number of the device you have for sale. Please mention a price and location in your ad. Use photos if you can.

To answer an ad: Answer in the forum to ask questions about the item, I suggest using a Private message to make an offer or arrange a sale.

Sellers please post a message when the item is sold.

Dealers and professionals: OK to use for individual used items. Exploitive advertising will be deleted.

Please help us get this going by advertising your surplus items!

Touchsquid remote control app now available for Samsung Tab 2 IR tablets

Unleash the Power of the Squid,  Touchsquid remote control app
now available on Samsung Tab 2 IR tablets

Samsung, the leading manufacturer of Android devices, expanded the versatility of its product line in Q4 of 2011 and Q2 of 2012 by releasing four new budget-friendly tablets with built-in infrared blasters. Of course, such devices are only as good as the apps they run, and although the included Universal Remote Control App that comes with these tablets is quite good, users tend to either love it or hate it. TouchSquid Technology, a small, independent manufacturer of android tablets with built-in IR, has recently released an alternative remote control app for the Samsung Tab 2 IR Tablet.

The TouchSquid Universal Remote Control App has been available for generic Android devices using external IR blasters for a while now, but by making use of the built-in IR on the Samsung, owners of the Tab 7.0 Plus, Tab 7.7, Tab 2 7.0, and the Tab 2 10.1 now have more options to control their home entertainment systems without having to buy additional hardware.

Available in both home and professional versions, the TouchSquid Universal Remote Control App makes use of an extensive (and growing) library of commands for over 200,000 devices. With a simple setup process and an intuitive activity based user interface, it’s great for the average user. With customizable buttons, adjustable timings and repeats, programmable macros, and support for several external IR blasters and serial controllers, the TouchSquid App is great for power users too.

Perhaps more important than the versatility of this feature laden software is the unparalleled support offered by TouchSquid staff. Surprisingly responsive, they are always willing to help where they can. Grahame Shannon, company president and head of development, commented, “It’s the apps that make a tablet worth using. Without them, all you’ve got is an expensive paperweight. Our mission is to develop the best Universal Remote Control App on the market, and the only way to do that is by responding to user feedback.”

Version 2.0 Touchsquid remote control app adds support to IR Trans Infrared Blaster

Touchsquid Fans in Europe particularly Germany have been waiting for the release of Touchsquid remote control app Version 2.0 which adds support to the IR Trans Infrared Blaster.  "This move will significantly increase Touchsquid's presence in the European market", noted Grahame Shannon, president of Touchsquid Technology.

TouchSquid Technology, developer of hardware and software solutions for home theater universal TV remote control, and IRTrans, German-based leading provider of connectivity products, announced today they have entered into a technical partnership. The agreement provides a platform for co-marketing and product compatibility. Using a combination of TouchSquid’s TV remote control app for Androids and an IRTrans infrared device, Android smartphones and tablets can be turned into powerful infrared remotes.
Based in Germany, IRTrans has a base of more than 25,000 users worldwide. Apart from home automation and home cinema use, IRTrans devices are used for environmental control, industrial applications and the control of broadcasting and cable networks.

IRTrans products connect almost any electronic devices in a home or business to a WiFi and/or IP network so it can be controlled, automated, and maintained by network-based software. IRTrans offers other connectivity products and capabilities, including IR learning and IR receivers and sensors, that can be connected to a network.

TouchSquid Technology is an emerging solution developer in the home theatre remote control industry. Their flagship product is an all-in-one remote control/tablet computer, but the generic TouchSquid App can turn virtually any Android device with an external IR blaster from IRTrans into a fully featured, high end home theater remote control with large, easy to read virtual buttons, intuitive user interface, and customizable screens.

The TouchSquid Universal TV Remote has an extensive library of over 200,000 supported devices (growing all the time), and an internet connected tablet can be used to browse TV listings and reviews.
By having the ability to store multiple profiles, using activity based button layouts with automatic input switching, and providing a quick, easy way to get back on track when devices are out of sync (in the form of the Squid help button), the TouchSquid App eliminates a number of common “remote control headaches” and enhances a viewer’s home theater experience.

Beyond simply adding remote control functionality to Android devices (tablets and full screen smart phones), an IRTrans device from IRTrans Infrared Control Systems can eliminate the need for line of sight visibility of devices being controlled by TouchSquid’s all-in-one device, thereby allowing devices to be hidden in a cabinet or a separate room.

Touchsquid TV Remote Control Android App for Keene IR Blaster

May 10, 2012 Vancouver, BC Canada. TouchSquid Technology, developer of hardware and software solutions for remote home theater control, and Keene Electronics, a UK leading provider of connectivity products, announced today they have entered into a technical partnership.

The agreement provides a platform for co-marketing and product compatibility. Using a combination of TouchSquid’s remote control app and a Keene KIRA infrared device, Android smartphones and tablets can be turned into powerful infrared remotes. KIRA stands for (Keene IR Anywhere) system enables IR commands to be sent via local network or internet!

Based in Derbyshire, UK, Keene Electronics have been selling AV accessories since 1988. Specializing in video, audio, home theater and home automation applications, Keene Electronics not only design and manufacture their own products, they also resell complimentary products and provide technical support and installation services. Keene's KIRA products connect almost any electrical device throughout a home and business to a WiFi and/or IP network so it can be controlled, automated, and maintained by network-based software. Keene Electronics offers other connectivity products and capabilities, including IR learning, IR receivers, and sensors, that can be connected to a network.

TouchSquid Technology is an emerging solution developer in the home theatre remote control industry. Their flagship product is an all-in-one remote control/tablet computer, but the generic TouchSquid App can turn virtually any Android tablet with a KIRA product from Keene Electronics into a fully featured, high end home theater TV remote control with large, easy to read virtual buttons, intuitive user interface, and customizable screens.

TouchSquid Universal TV Remote Control has an extensive library of over 200,000 supported devices (growing all the time), and an internet connected tablet can be used to browse TV listings and reviews. By having the ability to store multiple profiles, using activity based button layouts with automatic input switching, and providing a quick, easy way to get back on track when devices are out of sync (in the form of the Squid help button), the TouchSquid App eliminates a number of common “remote control headaches” and enhances a viewer’s home theater experience. Beyond simply adding remote control functionality to Android devices (tablets and full screen smart phones), a KIRA device from Keene Electronics can eliminate the need for line of sight visibility of devices being controlled by TouchSquid’s all-in-one device, allowing devices to be hidden in a cabinet or a separate room.

"We are excited about our alliance with Keene Electronics as this presents opportunities for our expansion in the UK and Europe." Grahame Shannon, president of Touchsquid also notes that Keene KIRA devices offer an alternative to North Americans.

Touchsquid TV remote control app supports several third party External IR Blasters including the Oregon based Global Cache Itach Products, UK's Keene KIRA, and the IRTrans from Germany.

UK Touchsquid Fan delighted with Bonus Features

Here is a letter we recently received from J. Moody in Surrey, U.K.

"I just want you to know that my Touchsquid is set up for watch tv and is working perfect, I have used the Icons that came in the remote and they look great!
All the new sky codes work well, only the power toggle was inconsistent but boosting it to "5 repeats" fixed that.

I never knew your icon database was so good, that's a real bonus, my only request is to have some more Sky Icons if possible like sky1 sky atlantic sky arts etc.
Once the new sky codes were downloaded setting everything up was remarkably easy, even for someone with very limited IT skills like me.

I never really thought about owning a pad before, I don't surf the web or check Facebook constantly like my nephews and nieces do, so I was shocked to find myself actually using it to browse while in my living room watching TV! An example was the movie 1911 revolution, I had seen this movie in a local store, when I went back I could not find it or remember its name but i did know Jackie Chan was in it, I googled Jackie then within seconds had its name and was watching the movie trailer, then on too amazon to order it, Brilliant!

I can't set up my watch big screen tv or watch movie activities yet as I'm waiting for my projector to be repaired, once I have it back I'll begin, my only concern will be the projector off command as I know it needs 2 commands with a space between them, I'll ask for advice with that once I get the projector back from repair.

Once again thanks for a great product with great customer service, I wish you all well and I am sure once your product becomes better known it will be a great success.

Please feel free to use all or any part of this e-mail in your promotion work and feel free to use my name as a satisfied customer, I'll tell every AV enthusiast I know about Touchsquid."

Editorial note:  Touchsquid is primarily a universal remote control tablet computer and bonus features like surfing the net, and checking email, and customizable icon database and library are always surprisingly delightful.

Icon Harmony creates TouchSquid channel icons

Randall C [aka squareeyes] is the author and graphics designer of the Icon Harmony website, where he posts his creation of over 14,700 television channel icons from over 50 countries.

The razor sharp images that he produce reflects foremost the passion and efforts that went into the creation of these beautiful icon graphics, colorful, juicy and bursting with colors.

All the icons are available for download free of charge. He accepts donations to cover web hosting and coffee. A true labor of love.

Due to the rising popularity of TouchSquid, Randall has started creating icons for TouchSquid users. These icons are three dimensional according to the size and specs that will work with TouchSquid apps. It is not yet completed, but for those who would like to take a peep, here is the link.

TouchSquid Station Icons

TouchSquid welcomes New Dealer in New York

TouchSquid is pleased to announce that Remote Shoppe in New York has been appointed dealer for its Universal Remote Control tablet. Remote Shoppe is family owned and operated and was started more than 4 years ago to share news and information on universal remote controls and home automation systems. Together, the Remote Shoppe team has countless hours programming consumer and professional remote controls. We are glad to add Remote Shoppe to our family of dealers.

Turn your TouchSquid to a Mini Netbook with a USB keyboard

While a virtual or a touchscreen keyboard is great for short messages, it can be tedious when typing a lengthy email.  So here is help.....This USB keyboard/carrying case makes it easy to type whether it is email or simply surfing the net.  It  doubles as a carrying case that protects your TouchSquid from scratches or dents. A flip stands support the TouchSquid Tablet in a slanting position.  Sleek ergonomic design makes the TouchSquid even more versatile, as a travel companion for your email, web browsing and much more.

TouchSquid tablets come with a Full USB port and a mini USB port.  This USB keyboard can be connected using its USB connector cable.  Very business and professional looking.

Just one of the many bonus features that comes with the TouchSquid Remote Control IR tablet.  This USB Keyboard has a MSRP of $39.95.

Touchsquid Display Stand

This TouchSquid display stand is custom made by Nor-Wes Signs for use at select TouchSquid dealers across the globe.  Made of aluminum, it ships flat and is easy to assemble.  The TouchSquid base or docking station is screwed on to the stand.  Details are still being worked out.  The objective is to allow shoppers to try out the TouchSquid universal remote control tablet.

TouchSquid Fan from Revelstoke is a Happy Man

The TouchSquid programming team has been hard at work for over a year on our TouchSquid remote control app.  Nothing makes them more happy than a compliment from a fan.  Here is one posted on the TouchSquid support forum under the TouchSquid Fans Club.  Click here to see the actual posting on the TouchSquid forum.

"After almost a month's usage, I have to say how much I appreciate the TouchSquid. The small table between two chairs in our living room used to be full of remotes....tv, dvd, cable box, sound system, Apple TV.....now there's just the tablet sitting in its stand. We now have room for our coffee cups. The system was a breeze to set up, and works like a charm. Originally here was a small problem getting the TV to switch HDMI inputs automatically, which was solved in the latest upgrade. Perfect! The new upgrade made the operation even more simple with a single button to perform an operation rather than a system selection and an on button. It's also nice to be able to check your email, or browse the net to get info on the movie you're watching all using the same unit. It's nice to find a product that does exactly what it says it will do, and to receive regular updates that make noticeable changes. Keep up the good work."

Editor's note: Revelstoke (population 7,500) is a city in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. It is located 641 kilometers (398 mi) east of Vancouver, and 415 kilometers (258 mi) west of Calgary, Alberta

TouchSquid Welcomes New Dealer in Sylvan Lake

Rated as one of the top two lake resorts in Alberta, Sylvan Lake is centrally located just 15 minutes from Red Deer and 90 minutes from either Calgary or Edmonton.  The Red Deer region has 140,000+ in population,  over 225,000 people including the surrounding trade area.

This coming Friday January 20, residents of Sylvan Lake will be able to see a demo of the TouchSquid remote control tablet at the Grand Opening Event of Sylvan Lake Business Solutions (SLBS).  One lucky customer will be bringing home a TouchSquid universal remote control tablet as a prize.

SLBS is affiliated with Audio Video Unlimited, who is the fastest growing chain of Independent Electronics Retailers in Canada. With over 95 store locations across the country, SLBS can take advantage of the same buying power and benefits that the "Big Box" retailers have and pass these savings on to its customers.

Audio Video Unlimited's Custom Home division is a leader in the field of electronic systems design and installation and has a reputation for professionalism and innovation.

We are glad to have Sylvan Lake Business Solutions join the TouchSquid family of dealers.

Buick1910 Early Squid Adopters TouchSquid Review

Here is a TouchSquid Customer Testimonial as posted by Buick 1910 (perhaps an antique car enthusiast?) on the AVS Forum thread 21418272 post #40:

"I am one of the Early Adopters now using my own TouchSquid. I am not an employee of TouchSquid Technologies! I have had my unit since December 21st and have been using it extensively ever since. My system consists of a Sony TV, Bose V10 Audio system, Oppo DVD Upscaler and Sony CD player. I can happily report that the Squid controls all of them!

The setup of the Squid is very simple when you understand what you are doing. It took me a few minutes to figure that out but once I did everything progressed smoothly. I have taken advantage of the creation of the favourites and see that you can create up to 24 per page, not 15 as originally conceived. Since owning my unit there have been several upgrades to the software and I can honestly say that upgrading a Squid is the easiest upgrade you will ever do. You simply download the upgrade into your device, click on the downloaded file, accept that you want to upgrade and that's it. You DO NOT lose any of your setups in this process so the whole thing, including download time, only takes a couple of minutes. The other thing that impresses me about this device is the responsiveness of the developer. Whenever I have had a question or concern I hear back from them very quickly, usually within the hour!

One very handy feature of the device is being able to surf the net from it. We have used that feature several times now when watching a movie that we wanted to know some history about one of the actors.

I am very happy with my unit and will be buying a second one so my wife and I can play dueling remotes!"

New Squid Drawing from Cruelty Free Cartoons

We received a Happy Squid drawing from Mark Siermaczeski of Crueltyfreecartoons.com. Mark is a Canadian cartoonist and also a TouchSquid early adopter. He is the same cartoonist who drew the first TouchSquid cartoon showing a hardworking Squid with all the tentacles in full battle with too many remotes. See cartoon below.

Skype app for TouchSquid tablet

Skype works on Android tablets, but not all versions are the same. Some support audio only but not video. Thanks to a Squid user who found a Skype app version that works for TouchSquid both audio and video.

Note that if your internet connection is slow, you may have only audio but not video.

Here is the link to the Skype app.